3. I wish I could stop time

                                    

                                          
Day 3: Let's just stay like this for a little longer...
                          
Long practice hours were part of Kiyoomi's routine and as if it wasn't enough, he also had to endure long studying hours, balancing his college life with volleyball was way harder than he thought. He was always tired and stressed, he felt like his motivation was slowly disappearing. Finals were around the corner; he was somewhat scared because they were a strain that burned him down slowly and made him lose concentration during practice. 
                          
-          You know, you should rest a little bit, you look tired – Motoya said as they walked towards the campus. He was worried for his cousin, he looked like he was about to pass out any minute.
                          
-          But I am totally fine, I don't need to rest – Kiyoomi rolled his eyes, his cousin was always worrying for him, he wasn't five anymore.
                          
-          Yes, you do you absolute mad lad, who needs to train 7 days a week? You need to rest, it's important
                          
-          No I don't, how do you think I got to the level I have as a volleyball player? resting? of course not – they were now on the door of Kiyoomi's classroom
                          
-          Joke's on you, we've got the same level and I do rest and take care of my health, so, there's no excuse, tomorrow I don't want to see you at practice
                          
-          You are the worst cousin ever, you are not my favorite anymore and I hate you
                          
-          Firstly, I am your only cousin and secondly, it's mutual, see you after class – said Motoya as he went straight into his classroom.
                          
Classes were specially boring today, he just took some notes from what he was able to catch because he wasn't actually paying attention, his eyelids were feeling quite heavy. He hated to admit it, but maybe his cousin was right, he needed some rest. He made it through the final lecture without falling asleep, or sort of. He gathered his stuff and waited for Motoya outside his classroom. While browsing through Instagram, he saw a photo of Atsumu Miya, who he met at a training camp back in high-school, they were now somehow close friends thanks to his cousin. They had spent time together as friends and Atsumu was quite nice for Kiyoomi's surprise, he liked hanging out with him. Kiyoomi was stalking through his profile when Motoya touched his shoulder.
                          
-          Hey, were are going out for dinner with some of Akagi's friends, do you want to come? – Akagi waved at him and held his cousin's hand, he had to admit that they looked cute.
                          
-          Uhm no, I guess I'll pass tonight, I have to study a lot, but have fun – Kiyoomi smiled weakly and waved them goodbye.
                          
 Kiyoomi was definitely going to get a nice cup of hot chocolate, curl up on his couch and forget the fact that he had exams next week. He decided to walk back home since he loved feeling the evening air, but maybe that wasn't such a good idea at least not for today. The air felt chiller than usual, the sky wasn't so clear and a headache started to appear. "Dammit" he thought as he remembered that he hadn't brought neither an umbrella nor cash for a cab, so he started to run. Oh how he wished to have asked Motoya's boyfriend for a ride. A drizzle started to pour down him, which later turned into a downpour that made his clothes and bag feel 10 times heavier. His apartment was really far away though, there was no way he could get in time without getting really wet and sick in the process, but for the last part, it was already late.
                          
Kiyoomi saw a drugstore across the street, he thought of staying there waiting for the rain to stop, and honestly that was his only option. Clearly the floor was slippery, but Kiyoomi didn't think of that until he was about to fall in front of the drugstore if it wasn't for two muscular arms that caught him on time. 
                          
-          Blimey! you need to be more careful Omi, it's dangerous to run like that when it's raining – Kiyoomi looked up, and there he was looking at him with the brightest smile, he could feel heat in his cheeks, surely he was blushing. 
                          
-          I am sorry, I didn't want to get wet, but it didn't work – Kiyoomi giggled, they kept looking at each other for what it felt like eternity. Atsumu separated slowly from Kiyoomi.
                          
-          So, are you going to buy something here or are you just going to shelter here – asked Atsumu as they entered the drugstore.
                          
-          Originally I was just going to shelter here but I guess I'll buy some medicine, I think I have a fever – Kiyoomi tried to walk to the medicine aisle but lost his balance.
                          
-          Hey, hey, wait here, I'll go and get you something okay? Don't move please – Atsumu returned a few minutes later with a bag filled with medicine and snacks – Do you mind if I walk you to your apartment? 
                          
-          I would really appreciate that, but my place is far from here and I don't think I could handle that much walking
                          
-          Okay then, maybe you can stay in my place, I can make you a cup of hot chocolate if you want – Atsumu smiled shyly, Kiyoomi noticed the subtle blush that was showing up on his cheeks – I swear I cleaned today – "he looks cute" he thought as he nodded in response – Cool, I actually live across the street, let's go
                          
Kiyoomi leaned on Atsumu to walk, his body was feeling heavier than before, he definitely caught a cold. Atsumu offered to carry Kiyoomi's bag. They arrived to the building and took the elevator to the 4th floor. Atsumu opened the door and helped Kiyoomi enter. He placed the Kiyoomi's bag next to the couch and the snacks along with the medicine on the kitchen table. 
                          
-          Your face is red; you should take a bath your clothes are soaking wet
                          
-          But I don't have any clothes
                          
-          I have some clean spare clothes, don't worry, hurry or you'll get sicker
                          
It felt weird for Kiyoomi to take a shower in a different place that wasn't his or the gym's bathroom. Atsumu's bathroom was perfectly tidy. The clothes were stuck to him, as he was slowly pulling his shirt over his head Atsumu knocked on the door to give him new dry clothes. A soft "thanks" was all Kiyoomi could say as embarrassment filled him up. As soon as he hopped into the shower he started to feel a little bit better. After a few minutes he stepped out, unfolded the clothes and put them on, they were a little small for him, but it was better than wearing his soaking clothes. He took a last glance in the mirror and finally pulled himself out of the bathroom. 
                          
-          Hey, I made some hot chocolate, here – said Atsumu as he handed Kiyoomi a warm cup – I also brought a blanket, so you don't get cold
                          
-          Wow, I, thank you, you don't have to do all this, but thanks – Kiyoomi genuinely smiled and sat on the couch with Atsumu next to him keeping a considering distance.
                          
-          You want to watch a movie?
                          
-          Sure – Atsumu turned the TV and grabbed some snacks for them. 
                          
Kiyoomi wasn't so sure when he started to fall asleep, the movie had already ended. He was feeling warmer. He looked up and saw Atsumu he was hugging him by the waist and Kiyoomi didn't hate it, in fact, he liked it. He was cuddling someone and he liked it. Atsumu started to slowly wake up and noticed Kiyoomi looking at him with wide eyes open.
                          
-          Oh, I'm sorry, I know you don't like physical contact but I got carried away – said Atsumu as he slowly pulled away.
                          
-          Don't, I... I feel warmer, let's just stay like this for a little longer, okay? – Atsumu's face was now red, he nodded and hugged Kiyoomi again.
                          
Kiyoomi was now thankful that he turned down dinner with his cousin, this was definitely 10 times better. Atsumu for his part, was thankful he went to the drugstore. How he wishes he could stop time and stay like this forever.
                          
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Thank you so much for reading!